On the Move

This is my own personal tribute to Bob Hoskins who passed away yesterday. Many people of my generation will remember the song that went along with the TV show On the Move. I can’t help but sing it when I hear the name mentioned.

Bob starred in On the Move in 1975, so it wasn’t yesterday, but it was an incredibly important and powerful educational show aimed at adults with literacy problems. Its success was credited with removing some of the stigma attached to illiteracy.

The running narrative featured the characters of Alf (Bob Hoskins), a removal man who had problems reading and writing, and his friend Bert (Donald Gee). It showed the changes Alf made in his life as he learned to read and write.

All of us adult educators out there who remember On the Move, remember it fondly and credit Bob with helping a generation of adults who had a difficult time at school to learn to read and write.

“Literacy isn't just about reading, writing, and comprehension. It's about culture, professionalism, and social outlook.”
Taylor Ellwood, Pop Culture Magick

So thanks Bob, you were a star in more ways than one.